Music for the Mindful: An Interview with Conor McMullen Founder of The Lucid Project
The Lucid Project: A multi-media platform that uses music and art to inspire change.
How did the Lucid Project begin? What was your inspiration in creating it?
It all started with a conversation amongst friends, at a Halloween party in 2017. I was living in DC at the time and was just starting to get into the local music scene, picking up DJ gigs. A friend was in town and had just started running a group of hostels in Colombia (South America). We got to talking, as he wanted to build out a music program for the company – the following week, shows were set, flights to Colombia were booked, and Lucid Project was born.
What exactly is Lucid Project and what does it entail for your audience?
Lucid Project is a music & mindfulness lifestyle brand. We’ve evolved considerably since our early days, but at our core, we’ve always been about using the power of music to make the world a better place. It’s such an incredible tool that transcends language, culture, etc.
It says on your site that you are relaunching in the fall. Is there a specific launch date or anything?
We are. The whole Covid situation has really thrown a wrench into the music industry, as I’m sure you’re aware. Since we’ve been focused on live events for the last few years, not having the ability to do them has made us rethink everything. Expect to hear some cool updates from us in late fall.
You said that the Lucid Project is a multimedia platform that uses music and art to inspire change. Tell me more about that. Is there anything specific that you’re doing or that you plan to do that inspires change?
Good question. Looking back throughout history, I’m incredibly inspired by musicians and artists who have played a part in shaping culture, making political statements, etc. With all of the craziness going on in the world right now, I think it’s really important for those of us who can do something, to stand up and do it. I can’t spill too much about the relaunch plans, but expect a heavy focus on promoting self-empowerment and community building, through a unique fusion of music and mindful practices.
Where did the concept of promoting mindfulness, or a ‘consciousness experience,’ come from?
During my travels to Colombia, I was introduced to an indigenous people (The Kogi) who use a very beautiful concept to represent consciousness. Aluna. In 2012, they came out of their remote mountain home to partner with the BBC, producing a documentary (called Aluna). It was a plea to the rest of the world to stop our degradation of the Earth and of the environment. I had the documentary on my to-do list for months, but it wasn’t until a crazy twist of fate that I actually got the time to slow down and watch it.
In February 2019, and only a few months after moving to Miami to pursue my music dreams, I was involved in a serious accident that almost took my life. When I was finally out of the hospital, I spent a large chunk of time immobilized in my apartment, unable to walk, dress myself, etc. I was in pretty rough shape. And so, one day I put on the Kogi BBC documentary. I don’t really know how to describe the feeling that overtook me as I watched, but it was so impactful that I knew I had to help spread their message. With that in mind, I started devising ways to include the concept of Aluna into my upcoming plans for Lucid Project. Expect it to be a big part of our relaunch this fall.
So you’re obviously a spiritual person. Where do you think that you formed your concept of spirituality?
100%. Not to get all Eckhart Tolle on you, but something transformative happened when I almost died that night in February. When I woke up in the ICU, I felt different. Of course, I felt the physical trauma of getting hit by a car, but this was something else. This was in my mind. The best way I can describe it? It was like waking up into a new reality, accompanied by a fundamental shift in my perspective and understanding of life. Mystical experience seems to be the trendy term.
When did you become interested in pursuing your ideas on mindfulness and consciousness?
The entire ordeal has only intensified my desire to put mindfulness at the forefront of everything I do. Recently, I wrote a short book about my experience, and I’m constantly dreaming up ways to use music as a tool to spread this mindful message. Stay tuned!
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